The American Spectator

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4.17.06 @ 12:01AM

ENLIGHTENING THE SENSES
Re: Ben Stein's On This Good Friday:

Mr. Stein's Good Friday thoughts are precisely the sort of thing I love to see him shout from his bully pulpit! Wonderful!

I'm particularly pleased to see him call on our President to deal with the invasion from Mexico and to prioritize it as a threat greater than that posed by Iraq! His comments on the hypocritical absurdities regarding the politics of the Catholic Church and Hahvuhd are, for me, the icing on a delicious cake. I should have waited for Lent to end before I read his column.

I shall, perhaps, have joined with Mr. Stein in hoisting a glass to the salt of the earth this Sunday, in acknowledgement of their service, which he has once again called to our attention. Bless 'em all!
-- Mark Fallert
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Once again Mr. Stein has delivered an editorial that enlightens our senses. His brief but concise opinion piece gives us insight into the workings of the "left" and their duplicitous nature. Stein argues effectively, how on the one hand it is acceptable with liberals that the Catholic Church involves itself with matters of illegal immigration, but when conservatives decry abortion in the churches our liberal friends cry foul?? Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the mainstream media does not venture to point out this contradiction from our friends on the left. Therefore, the traditional press should not be surprised why their significance and influence continues to tumble and magazines such as The American Spectator along with writers like Ben Stein flourish. Keep up the good work.
-- Peter J. Demetralis
Los Angeles, California

As a reality check to balance out the forthcoming round of applause for Ben Stein, I would like to comment on each of his points:

1.) Since when has the Catholic Church tried to stay out of politics? Ben seems to have forgotten that a large chunk of Western history concerns efforts to escape from the spiritual and political control of the Vatican. The majority of illegal Mexican immigrants are part of their flock, so what does he expect? Regarding the lack of Catholic interest in the pro-life movement, Ben ought to read a few polls: the majority of Americans, including Catholics, support abortion. Like it or not, this is a pro-abortion country, Ben.

2.) I agree that displaying the flags of other countries is problematic. Illegal immigration continues to be a serious problem. But keep in mind that nationalism is a two-way street, and our patriotism and nationalism are quite scary to others around the world.

3.) OK, Harvard may in fact be overrun with liberals. Let's keep things in perspective, though. If earlier generations of Zionists were alive today, they would renounce their allegiance to the cause when they saw how ugly it had become. Albert Einstein was a Zionist, but also a pacifist. He would be appalled by the current situation in Israel. Larry Summers seems to have good ideas, but he also has a tin ear, which is fatal to anyone in his position.

4.) Yes, we must praise the sacrifices made by our military forces. It is also our duty as citizens to heed the words of our retired generals.
-- Paul Dorell
Highland Park, Illinois

SHRUGS FOR ROMNEY
Re: David Hogberg's Romney's Responsibility Principles:

As a Michigander, I was optimistic about Mitt Romney's possible candidacy in 2008, until this came to pass. There is no way I would even consider him now. It's disheartening to see Republicans abandoning the issue of personal responsibility.
-- Rebecca Welton
Pinconning, Michigan

Mr. Hogberg has it right. I was considering Mr. Romney as a presidential prospect, but since he's gone squishy he looks like a socialist to me. Could he have been "brainwashed"? Good bye, Mr. Romney.
-- Paul Bunker
La Moille, Illinois

The reactions to Romney's initiative are all over the map. They vary from liberals trying to minimize Romney's role to little more than signing a veto-proof bill, to conservatives singing Romney's praises for pulling the wool of the liberal eyes. Conservatives (a) hate it, (b) dislike it, (c) are inclined to go-along, or (d) are positively giddy with it. There are op-eds in the WSJ pontificating that the plan "will fail" -- no ifs, ands, ors, or buts allowed. There are other opinions in the same publication praising it to the skies.

In the final analysis, what Romney and the Massachusetts legislature have wrought has to be called a great experiment. It might work. It might fail. If it works, it will quickly spread to other states, and Romney will be unstoppable in 2008. If it fails, it will put another nail into the coffin lid of mandated health coverage, and Romney can kiss his 2008 run good-bye.

Letter to the Editor

topics:
Education, Trade, Harry Reid, Bill Clinton, Mainstream Media, Business, Sports, Religion, Abortion, Hollywood, Constitution, Law, Military, Iraq, Iran, Israel, NATO, Africa, Immigration, Energy, Oil